Spring 2026 Update
As the days get longer, we look forward to the upcoming season in the Berkshires. Our spring newsletter includes the results of the SBA survey from last winter, an update on the restoration of the Stockbridge Bowl, reconstruction of the boat ramp, and events to look for in the coming season.
First, thanks to everyone who participated in the SBA survey at the end of last year. The large number of responses from the community made it obvious that the community cares deeply about the Stockbridge Bowl and they overwhelmingly requested clearer, more consistent, and more accessible communication from the SBA, particularly regarding the restoration project.
To that end, the SBA will be providing periodic email newsletter updates with information on the restoration progress, including timelines, priorities, and
environmental decisions.
If you would like to continue to receive these email newsletters, you do not need to do anything. We hope that you will share this newsletter widely and encourage others to sign up by clicking here or on the button below. If you wish to opt out of future email communications from the SBA, you may unsubscribe below.
Restoration Update: Good News!
Under the leadership of Michael Canales, Stockbridge Town Administrator and the project manager for the Bowl restoration project, there were two major events this year that required completion for the restoration project to proceed:
(1) Determination that granite ledges were not present in Bullard Woods, so that it can serve as the repository for silt removed from the Bowl dredging. Over the past several months, a geological survey established that there are no granite ledges that would impede the placement of the geo-tubes for silt deposit.
(2) Determination that there were no buried artifacts from the Stockbridge-Munsee tribe in the Bullard Woods location for silt deposits. A recent archaeological survey has established that there are no indigenous artifacts that would impede moving forward.
The next major step is to go through a series of required permitting from the Town and State agencies. It is anticipated that this process will require 12-18 months. We are cautiously optimistic that the Bowl dredging is on track to take place in the summer of 2028.
Additional Updates:
The Stockbridge Bowl Boat Ramp is closed from April through the end of May as the State begins reconstruction of the Boat Ramp. More information can be found on the Stockbridge Town website and in this recent Berkshire Eagle article.
The repairs at the dam were completed this winter, and the water level has been restored to normal operations. After this spring, we will know if the lowering of the lake during the repair process has suppressed some of the weeds.
The SBA is applying for permits to remove invasive Milfoil from several areas of the Bowl using a non-chemical process called Diver Assisted Suction Harvesting (DASH). Our goal is to have this program in place by this summer, but we will need to get approvals from the State organizations and Stockbridge Conservation Commission.
Things to Look for this Season:
New Kayak lending program at the Stockbridge Library. The kayak rack and two kayaks were provided by the SBA. Click here for more information. A launch party for this program is scheduled for May 30, 2026 from 11 am - 1 pm at the Town beach. Click here for more information.
Save the Date - SBA annual meeting, Saturday, August 1st, 2026
Save the Date - Josh Billings, September 20th, 2026
Interested in receiving these updates straight to your inbox?
